November 4, 2009
Contact: Meg Mincolla
Phone: (775) 888-7172
Copper Wire Theft Leaves Reno-Area Freeways Dark
The Nevada Department of Transportation is asking motorists to drive cautiously following a continuing rash of copper wire theft that has left some Reno-area freeways dark.
Areas of U.S. 395 between Interstate 80 and the Mt. Rose junction have been particularly hard-hit by the theft of copper wire that leaves overhead freeway lights dark.
“This has been an ongoing battle over the past years,” NDOT District Engineer Thor Dyson explained of the copper wire thefts. “Safety is our top priority, and we replace lighting in safety-sensitive areas first. As we work to repair the damage from these crimes, we ask motorists to drive attentively and safely.”
NDOT’s Reno-area lighting crew dedicates approximately 70 percent of their time to repairing and preventing copper wire theft. Replacement wiring features elements to help deter further vandalism and roadway striping is diligently maintained with highly-reflective properties to make roadway lanes more visible at night.
“Unfortunately, this crime is not only using taxpayer money and resources to repair, it is creating darker roadways in winter months,” Dyson said.
Vandalism and theft can be reported by calling 334-2677 in Reno or Washoe County or 353-2231 in Sparks. An award may be available through Secret Witness for certain vandalism tips that lead to an arrest. Call 911 to report crimes in progress.
Replacing the copper wire is just part of NDOT’s continuing efforts to overcome vandalism. The Department dedicated over 1,500 man hours in Reno-area graffiti removal in just one recent year, painting over and removing offending marks from state roadway signs, soundwalls and structures. NDOT has also joined with local agencies to paint soundwall murals and develop a database for area-wide tracking of graffiti crimes.
